A major recent survey commissioned by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum depicts a Canada-wide shortage of skilled tradespersons. Canada-wide projections estimate 913,000 skilled trade job openings between 2003 and 2015. With so many industries suffering these days, it’s reassuring to know that trades are a field you can bet on.

There are over 200 skilled trades in Canada, career options for every interest and aptitude, jobs that offer respect, opportunity and good pay. Professionals in the Automotive Service/Repair field as well as Electrical and Plumbing careers are in particular demand due to a number of factors including baby boomer retirements, economic issues, and career trends. All signs point to a nation-wide need for skilled trades workers.

So what are some of the careers that stand to prosper over the next few years?  We’ll take a look at three of these booming career paths to learn more about the nature of the work, the education required and what one can expect to earn.


Automotive Service Technicians and Repairers

Service technicians, mechanics, and repairers diagnose mechanical malfunctions and repair or replace mechanical units or components using hand and power tools. They will also test and adjust units to specifications for proper performance and complete reports. Once graduated, workers in these fields can expect to earn about $17.24/ hour.

Electrical Trades

Electrical trades workers may work on electric power distribution systems as well as telecommunications lines and cables. They may install and repair telephones as well as cable television signals, power lines and overhead/underground electrical power systems. Professionals in this field can expect to make aprox. $22.30/ hour.

Plumbing

Plumbing professionals will install, repair and maintain domestic, commercial or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems. Their work will also involve reading blueprints and specifications to determine layout of plumbing system to locate and mark positions for pipe connections, etc. Once graduated, workers in these fields can expect to earn about $20.41/ hour.


The skilled trades play a vital role in Canada and now, as many of the seasoned professionals begin to retire, vacancies abound for new professionals. The three fields highlighted here give an idea of solid directions for Canadians considering a new career in Canada but they are just a selection of the many opportunities that will be opening over the next few years.